Medical Laboratory Assistant
Alexandra, Gauteng, South Africa · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- GBP 25,800 – GBP 25,800 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 2 weeks ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- People with the right laboratory-related knowledge, skills and experience who can work onsite in Harlow and across a 24/7 shift rota are encouraged to apply. Applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds are welcomed.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
About the Organisation
Sonic Healthcare is a globally established healthcare group with a long history of delivering medical services across several countries. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, it is listed among the ASX Top 50 and operates in Australia, the USA, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.
In the UK, Sonic Healthcare operates through The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) and Health Services Laboratories (HSL). HSL is a collaboration between TDL, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). Built to support NHS pathology services, HSL has also broadened its work to serve additional NHS Trusts. More than 3,500 people are employed across Sonic Healthcare UK.
The organisation aims to provide diagnostics led by clinicians, while combining innovation, value and long-term investment in healthcare. Its main laboratory is based at The Halo Building in London, with another growing site in Manchester and smaller hospital laboratories in locations around the country. High quality standards are maintained through workforce planning, technology investment and strong infrastructure and IT support.
Role Overview
This opportunity is for a Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Microbiology department at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. The position is permanent and full-time, with a working pattern of 37.5 hours per week. The salary offered is up to £25,800 per year, depending on experience.
As part of the wider HWE pathology service commissioning, HSL will also establish a new hub laboratory at 7 Croxley Park, Watford. This hub will handle work across several areas including sample reception, biochemistry, haematology, routine coagulation and microbiology. Staff currently based at the Princess Alexandra Hospital site are expected to move to either the Croxley Park hub when it becomes operational in 2026 or to the Halo hub laboratory in Kings Cross, London.
What the Job Involves
The role requires carrying out routine preparation and testing work, including basic analytical procedures, in a careful and efficient way under the supervision of qualified Biomedical Scientist staff. Any unusual results or test requests must be escalated to the relevant team member.
The successful candidate will also input patient requests into the pathology systems WinPath and Helix, complete clerical and technical duties in line with sample handling processes, and assist with the movement and distribution of incoming and outgoing goods, equipment, specimens and reagents. In addition, the role includes responsibility for supporting the laboratory users’ helpdesk.
Because the laboratory operates around the clock, the post holder will need to work shifts across a 24/7 rota. They will also support all on-site testing for acutely unwell patients with COVID.
Benefits
HSL offers a range of staff benefits, including training and development support, regular salary review, discounted gym membership through Better Gyms, a cash healthcare plan covering costs such as dental and optical care, sick pay entitlement, permanent health insurance, death-in-service cover, life assurance after a six-month qualifying period, employee assistance support, a season ticket loan scheme, access to Perkbox discounts, a company pension scheme and generous annual leave.
Flexible working is also supported, including flexibility around shift patterns and working schedules.
Important Information
Applicants are asked to review the job description and person specification carefully and make sure their application clearly shows the knowledge, skills and experience needed for the role. HSL values diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.
The employer reserves the right to close the vacancy at any time, even if a closing date is shown elsewhere.
Additional Notes
The role is based onsite at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, and the working arrangement is full-time. A salary ceiling of £25,800 per annum is stated, with final pay negotiable depending on experience. The laboratory functions as a 24-hour, 7-day service, so shift work is part of the role.